The Legend of Zelda (Series)
The Legend of Zelda is a video game series created by Nintendo. All the main games follow the tale of the protagonist, Link. The first game in the series was The Legend of Zelda for the Nintendo Entertainment System, where Link must rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon. As the series has evolved, Zelda and Ganon have returned in many other games.
Main Series
Remasters
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (GBA)
- The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
Remakes
Spin-Off Games/Side Games
- Link's Crossbow Training: Released as part of a bundle with the Wii Zapper and features enemies from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
- The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest: Released as part of Nintendo Land.
- Hyrule Warriors: A Wii U game inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series.
- Hyrule Warriors Legends: An expanded port of Hyrule Warriors for the Nintendo 3DS.
- Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition: A port of Hyrule Warriors for the Nintendo Switch including all the content, including DLC, from both the original version and Hyrule Warriors Legends.
- Cadence of Hyrule: A Switch crossover game primarily based on Crypt of the Necrodancer, featuring elements from the Zelda series.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity: A prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Switch inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series.
CD-i Games
In 1993, Philips gained the right to use several Nintendo characters, including Link, Zelda, and Mario. As a result, they released three Zelda games on the Philips CD-i. These games are not considered canon and are infamous for their poor quality.
Tingle Series
- Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland
- Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love
- Tingle's Balloon Fight DS: A Japanese Nintendo Club exclusive title.
- Too Much Tingle Pack: Released as DSiWare in Japan only.
Satellaview Games
Three Zelda games were offered for download on the Satellaview add-on for the Super Famicom:
- BS The Legend of Zelda (two versions, MAP 1 and MAP 2, based on the original The Legend of Zelda)
- BS The Legend of Zelda: Ancient Stone Tablets (a sequel of sorts to A Link to the Past)
- BS The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods (Satellaview port of A Link to the Past with no significant changes)
LCD Games
- Zelda Game & Watch Multi Screen ZL-65
- The Game & Watch Zelda was included as an unlockable bonus game in Game & Watch Gallery 4 for the Game Boy Advance
- The Legend of Zelda Game Watch (Nelsonic Game Watch)
- The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods (Barcode Battler II)
Compilations
Features The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and a playable demo of The Wind Waker. Only released as part of a GameCube bundle.
Other Games Featuring Zelda Characters
Besides the main Zelda series and its spin-off games, Zelda characters have been featured in other video game series as well.
- Super Smash Bros.: Features Link as a playable character, as well as a stage based on Hyrule Castle.
- Super Smash Bros. Melee: Features Link, Young Link, Zelda/Sheik, and Ganondorf as playable characters.
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Features Link, Toon Link, Zelda/Sheik, and Ganondorf as playable characters.
- SoulCalibur II: Link is featured as a playable character in the GameCube version.
- Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U: Features Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, and Ganondorf as playable characters.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Features Link, Young Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik, and Ganondorf as playable characters.
In addition, a significant number of games have Cameos of The Legend of Zelda.
Awards & Achievements
Guiness World Records 2010 Gamer's Edition
- The Legend of Zelda came 3rd in 'Top 50 Videogame Series', just losing out to Call of Duty (2nd) and Halo (1st).
- This makes it the highest-ranking Nintendo franchise on the list.
- Ocarina of Time won 'Most Critically Acclaimed Game of All Time'.